Tiny Formentera is the stuff of Mediterranean dreams. Just 30 minutes by boat from Ibiza, the smallest and southernmost of Spain’s Balearic Islands has a famously laid-back feel. Far from the clubs and crowds, this an island of white sand dunes, fragrant pine forests, and ancient megalithic sites. The best boutique hotels in Formentera are intimate and characterful, often facing the sea or tucked within historic fishing villages. A sanctuary for romantics, bohemian beachgoers and families with little ones, Formentera invites holidaymakers to slow down, reconnect and rejuvenate. Soak up the sunshine, savour sensational seafood and unwind in this spectacular slice of the Mediterranean. It’s little wonder that visitors return year after year!
Platja de Migjorn Show the map
13 rooms 
Platja de Migjorn Show the map
4 rooms 
Sant Francesc Xavier Show the map
18 rooms 
Platja de Migjorn Show the map
14 rooms 
Es Pujols Show the map
100 rooms 
Platja de Migjorn Show the map
34 rooms 
Es Arenals Show the map
45 rooms 
Platja de Migjorn Show the map
30 rooms 
Platja de Migjorn Show the map
7 rooms 
Platja de Migjorn Show the map
9 rooms 
Es Pujols Show the map
31 rooms 
La Savina Show the map
3 rooms 
Sant Josep de sa Talaia Show the map
2 rooms 
Cala Saona Show the map
1 room(s) 
La Savina Show the map
3 rooms 
Platja de Migjorn Show the map
28 rooms 
Sant Francesc Xavier Show the map
11 rooms 
Es Pujols Show the map
45 rooms 
Sant Francesc Xavier Show the map
8 rooms Pint-sized Formentera has no airport of its own, so most travellers fly to Ibiza to catch the 30-minute south-bound ferry. Hire a car to explore the island’s 83 square kilometres, or zip around by scooter or bicycle.
Sant Francesc Xavier, Formentera’s terracotta-roofed capital, is dotted with trendy design shops, clothing boutiques and craft studios. Admire the barrel-vaulted chapel of Sa Tanca Vella, step into the imposing 18th-century church of Sant Francesc, and visit the Formentera Ethnographic Collection. Expect a convivial buzz at the twice-weekly flea market in nearby Jardí de Ses Eres. The Artisan Centre of Formentera hosts regular creative workshops and exhibitions.
The annual Formentera Jazz Festival, held each June, is very special. So too are yoga and wellness classes, often hosted by Formentera’s soulful boutique hotels.
Pretty El Pilar de la Mola, close to the island’s highest point, promises striking views, whilst the northern coastal villages of La Savina or Es Pujols have excellent seafood eateries.
Heritage aficionados will delight in following the island’s old Roman road and touring ancient megalithic sites. The white-painted lighthouses and four Martello towers which stud Formentera’s coastline are accessed along well-trodden hiking and cycling trails.
Out on the water, chances to snorkel, swim and sail abound. Charter a boat to glide along to tranquil coves and superb snorkelling spots with friends and family, or simply soak up the sunshine from one of Formentera’s beautiful beaches. Ses Salines National Park will thrill nature lovers.
Spanning just 83 square kilometres, Formentera is appealingly compact, and the island certainly packs a punch when it comes to things to see and do. Sant Francesc Xavier has some lovely heritage hotels and there are quiet spots inland, but most of the best boutique hotels in Formentera are on the coast.
In the west, La Savina, the landing point for boats from Ibiza, is home to the island’s largest port, and a popular spot for livelier holidays. Nearby Es Pujols is known for its gorgeous white sand beach and crystal clear waters. The seaside town’s other attractions are its buzzing restaurants and bars, brilliant for long, joyful evenings.
Many of our favourite hotels in Formentera are further south, dotted along five-kilometre Migjorn Beach. The longest beach on the island, it’s wonderful for walks as well as swimming and water sports. Mal Pas, at one end of the beach, is particularly lovely.
There are no high-rise developments in Formentera, so hotels tend to be small, intimate heritage buildings, or low-lying contemporary structures with a strong focus on clean, minimalist design, and a larger capacity for guest rooms and facilities. Whether set inland or on the coast, all seek to showcase the island’s natural beauty.
Guests can almost always expect a refreshing pool, and high-end hotels will have gyms and spas. Restaurants tend to be seafood-focused, pairing the sea’s bounty with seasonal produce from Formentera and Spain. Hip bars at bigger hotels promise live music nights and great cocktails.
Some of our favourite places to stay in Formentera are serviced suites or apartments. These offer both potential independence, with kitchens for whipping up dishes with fresh market finds, and the benefit of hotel-style facilities including swimming pools, gyms and restaurants.
